Police award honors constable for lifesaving actions at Waitārere Beach shooting

UPDATE - follow-up to Constable David Cramp awarded Police Bravery Award as new details revealed from Waitārere Beach triple shooting: Constable David Cramp received the 2026 Police Bravery Award for his decisive actions during the January 14 triple shooting at a Waitārere Beach residence. A 111 call from a distressed nine‑year‑old girl prompted Cramp and a colleague to race to the scene, where they saw a projectile‑shaped hole in a window and entered without waiting for backup. Inside they found a 60‑year‑old man, later identified as suspect Ben Timmins, lying bleeding from a stab wound to the chest; he died despite first aid. The officers discovered multiple pools of blood, spent shell casings and three critically injured victims. A 22‑year‑old man lay on a blood‑stained bed, a woman in another room suffered a fractured skull and intracranial injury but could answer simple questions, and a 17‑year‑old boy had been shot. Cramp, drawing on his military trauma training, applied chest seals using plastic packaging, managed broken ribs, lung lacerations and injuries to spleen and kidneys, and provided other life‑saving treatment. The Police Association praised his professionalism, noting his actions likely prevented the deaths of the three survivors. The ceremony also recognised Sergeant Nathan Hessell, Constables Matthew Wells and Ebubekir Avci. A local shopkeeper later confirmed the deceased suspect was known to police and described him as “impatient”.

Context

Police bravery awards honor officers who act under extreme danger to save lives. Triple‑shooting events are rare in New Zealand, making Cramp’s response noteworthy. The incident underscores the importance of rapid medical aid in mass‑casualty scenes.